In the quiet corners of rural South Africa, where forgotten dogs and cats scavenge for scraps and suffer in silence, there is a mighty ROAR rising up for them. ROAR for PAWS is a non-profit with an unshakable mission:
To fight for those who have no voice.
To end the cycle of suffering.
To bring hope where there was none.
At ROAR, they believe in sterilisation first—because stopping just one unwanted litter can save countless lives. They believe that every animal, no matter how neglected, no matter how broken, deserves love, food, and medical care. And they believe that their work should be loud and powerful, not a whisper in the dark.
No More Suffering. No More Hunger. No More Pain.
For over a decade, ROAR for PAWS has been deep in the trenches of animal welfare, rescuing, treating, and protecting the forgotten animals of rural farms in the Paarl area.
They educate and empower communities, helping them understand that their pets aren’t just possessions—they are family. But changing mindsets takes time, and the reality is heartbreaking. Dogs are left to breed endlessly. Puppies are born only to starve. Sick and injured animals suffer with no medical help in sight.
But ROAR is there. Fighting for them.
A Day in the Life of ROAR: Their First Outreach of 2025
To truly understand the life-changing impact of ROAR for PAWS, let’s take a closer look at one of their outreach days—a day spent in the field, facing the struggles and victories of rural animal welfare firsthand.
ROAR’s First Outreach of 2025: A Day of Care, Support, and Compassion
ROAR successfully completed its first outreach of the year, marking the beginning of another cycle of care, support, and hope for the animals in their program. This outreach was dedicated to:
o Distributing food
o Administering tick and flea treatments
o Providing essential deworming
o Educating farm owners on proper animal care
Thanks to a generous donation from Petworld, the team arrived armed with NexGard Spectra, Broadline, Bravecto, and Milbemax—crucial treatments to protect these animals from deadly parasites.
The welcome was overwhelming. Dogs bounded toward the team, tails wagging, barking excitedly. Others, more cautious, hesitated at first—but a quick treat was often enough to win them over.
Food parcels ranged from 8kg to 25kg, tailored to each animal’s needs. Along with dry food, a special wet treat was added, allowing the team to check for dental issues, malnourishment, and dehydration.
"In some cases, farms simply don’t have consistent water availability," said Tania, who led the outreach. "So, we made sure to supply water where needed. It’s a small thing, but for these animals, it makes all the difference."
Administering treatments wasn’t always easy. Some dogs gulped down the NexGard Spectra thinking it was a treat, while others needed more persuasion. For cats, Broadline and Bravecto were carefully applied during feeding time.
But supplies were limited. Only two farms received full tick and flea treatments for their dogs. They simply didn’t have enough to treat them all.
The Harsh Reality: Chained Dogs & Hard Choices
One of the hardest sights was the number of chained dogs.
"It’s something we see over and over again," Tania explained. "About 90% of the animals on these farms are chained. It’s heartbreaking. But we’re working on improving their living conditions. We've installed runners where we can, and we provide longer chains to allow for greater mobility. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step towards a better life for them."
Unexpected Discoveries & A Race Against Time
During their visits, the team made several unexpected discoveries:
· A mother cat with three 4-week-old kittens—previously unseen.
· A pregnant dog, newly identified.
· A male dog that was unsterilized.
Recognizing the danger of their location near the R44 highway, the team immediately arranged to rescue the kittens. Plans were also made for sterilizing both dogs, a process completed on January 15, 2025.
Elsewhere, two malnourished 10-week-old puppies were found surviving on potato peels and dry bread.
"The owners meant well," Tania said, shaking her head, "but they simply didn’t understand what puppies need to survive. We gave them proper food, and we’ll be monitoring them closely."
ROAR’s policy is clear: medical and food support is only provided if the animals are sterilized, ensuring their long-term well-being.
The Biggest Hurdle: FOOD
Imagine looking into the eyes of a starving dog and knowing you don’t have enough food for them all.
Imagine a pregnant, malnourished dog, her ribs visible through her skin, because there wasn’t enough funding for a sterilisation in time.
Imagine watching an animal suffer from mange, tick infestations, and infections, and knowing there’s no money left for medical care.
This is the reality of animal welfare.
How You Can Help Right Now
Become a "Steri Star"—sponsor a sterilisation and stop the cycle of suffering.
Volunteer—be the hands that heal.
Donate supplies—every blanket, every meal, every treatment makes a difference.
Share their posts and events—because spreading the word saves lives.
How to Donate – Every Cent Saves a Life
Bank Transfer:
First National Bank
Account Name: RURAL OUTREACH AND RELIEF FOR PAWS NPO
Business Cheque Account Number: 62759550447
Paarl Branch Code: 250655
SWIFT Code: FIRNZAJJ
PayPal:
https://www.paypal.me/roarforpaws
Paypal Email: info@roarforpaws.co.za
SnapScan Available!
Donate directly to their vet:
Cape Companions Veterinary Clinic
Standard Bank
Account Number: 10137642723
Branch Code: 051001
After donating, please email info@roarforpaws.co.za with proof of payment so they can send you a heartfelt thank you!
ROAR With Them. Be Their Voice.
· Spread the word.
· Be the voice for the voiceless.
· Make the suffering stop.
ROAR with them. Because all souls matter.